System, device, product, apparatus, and method for reading syringe information

ABSTRACT

A reader includes a first antenna, a second antenna spaced apart from the first antenna, an RFID reader circuit, and a processor. The first antenna and the second antenna are connected to the RFID reader circuit. The first antenna is configured to receive a first signal from an RFID tag. The second antenna is configured to receive a second signal from the RFID tag. The processor controls the RFID reader circuit to determine a first value of a signal parameter associated with the RFID tag based on the first signal and a second value of the signal parameter associated with the RFID tag based on the second signal, receives, from the RFID reader circuit, the first value and the second value, and determines, based on the first value and the second value, whether the RFID tag is located between the first antenna and the second antenna.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/986,943, entitled “System, Device, Product, Apparatus, and Methodfor Reading Syringe Information”, filed Mar. 9, 2020, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

This disclosure relates generally to RFID communications, and in somenon-limiting embodiments or aspects, to a system, a device, a product,an apparatus, and/or a method for reading syringe information using RFIDcommunications.

2. Technical Considerations

2D barcode readers may be used to decode 2D barcodes on syringes. 2D barcode readers may use a complex optical system that is manually triggeredwhen a syringe is attached to the 2D bar code reader. Thiselectro-mechanical triggering may not be reliable due to a relativelytight tolerance control associated with mating various components of aninjection system for the syringe. In addition, the optical system for a2D barcode reader may use an expensive barrel lens in a lighttransmission path, for which factory calibration is relatively difficultand yield rates are relatively low. Accordingly, there is a need forimproved reading of syringe information.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, provided are improved systems, devices, products,apparatus, and/or methods for reading syringe information.

According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, provided is areader including a first antenna; a second antenna spaced apart from thefirst antenna; an RFID reader circuit, the first antenna being connectedto the RFID reader circuit, the first antenna being configured toreceive a first signal from a first RFID tag, the second antenna beingconnected to the RFID reader circuit, and the second antenna beingconfigured to receive a second signal from the first RFID tag; and oneor more processors programmed and/or configured to: control the RFIDreader circuit to determine a first value of a signal parameterassociated with the first RFID tag based on the first signal; controlthe RFID reader circuit to determine a second value of the signalparameter associated with the first RFID tag based on the second signal;receive, from the RFID reader circuit, the first value of the signalparameter associated with the first RFID tag and the second value of thesignal parameter associated with the first RFID tag; and determine,based on the first value and the second value, whether the first RFIDtag is located between the first antenna and the second antenna.

According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, provided is asystem and method including: receiving, with a first antenna, a firstsignal from a first RFID tag; receiving, with a second antenna spacedapart from the first antenna, a second signal from the first RFID tag;determining, with an RFID reader circuit, a first value of a signalparameter associated with the first RFID tag based on the first signal;determining, with the RFID reader circuit, a second value of the signalparameter associated with the first RFID tag based on the second signal;receiving, with at least one processor, the first value of the signalparameter associated with the first RFID tag and the second value of thesignal parameter associated with the first RFID tag; and determining,with at least one processor, whether the first RFID tag is locatedbetween the first antenna and the second antenna.

According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, provided is asystem including: a first syringe; a first label including a first RFIDtag applied to the first syringe; and a reader including: a firstantenna; a second antenna spaced apart from the first antenna; an RFIDreader circuit, the first antenna being connected to the RFID readercircuit, the first antenna being configured to receive a first signalfrom the first RFID tag, the second antenna being connected to the RFIDreader circuit, and the second antenna being configured to receive asecond signal from the first RFID tag; and one or more processorsprogrammed and/or configured to: control the RFID reader circuit todetermine a first value of a signal parameter associated with the firstRFID tag based on the first signal; control the RFID reader circuit todetermine a second value of the signal parameter associated with thefirst RFID tag based on the second signal; receive, from the RFID readercircuit, the first value of the signal parameter associated with thefirst RFID tag and the second value of the signal parameter associatedwith the first RFID tag; and determine, based on the first value and thesecond value, whether the first RFID tag is located between the firstantenna and the second antenna.

Further non-limiting embodiments or aspects are set forth in thefollowing numbered clauses:

Clause 1. A reader comprising: a first antenna; a second antenna spacedapart from the first antenna; an RFID reader circuit, wherein the firstantenna is connected to the RFID reader circuit, wherein the firstantenna is configured to receive a first signal from a first RFID tag,wherein the second antenna is connected to the RFID reader circuit, andwherein the second antenna is configured to receive a second signal fromthe first RFID tag; and one or more processors programmed and/orconfigured to: control the RFID reader circuit to determine a firstvalue of a signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag based onthe first signal; control the RFID reader circuit to determine a secondvalue of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag basedon the second signal; receive, from the RFID reader circuit, the firstvalue of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag and thesecond value of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag;and determine, based on the first value and the second value, whetherthe first RFID tag is located between the first antenna and the secondantenna.

Clause 2. The reader of clause 1, wherein the signal parameterassociated with the first RFID tag includes a received signal strengthindication (RSSI).

Clause 3. The reader of any of clauses 1 and 2, wherein the first signaland the second signal include ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID signals.

Clause 4. The reader of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the one or moreprocessors are further programmed and/or configured to: determine adifference between the first value and the second value; and determinethat the RFID tag is located between the first antenna and the secondantenna in response to the difference satisfying a threshold difference.

Clause 5. The reader of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the RFID readercircuit includes a switching circuit, wherein the first antenna isconnected to the switching circuit, wherein the second antenna isconnected to the switching circuit, and wherein the switching circuit isconfigured to selectively couple the first antenna and the secondantenna to the RFID reader circuit.

Clause 6. The reader of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the one or moreprocessors are further programmed and/or configured to: control, usingthe switching circuit, the RFID reader circuit to selectively read thefirst signal from the first RFID tag with the first antenna and thesecond signal from the first RFID tag with the second antenna.

Clause 7. The reader of any of clauses 1-6, a connector configured to beconnected to a syringe, wherein the connector is located between thefirst antenna and the second antenna, and wherein the first antenna andthe second antenna are located a same distance from the connector.

Clause 8. The reader of any of clauses 1-7, further comprising: a switchconfigured to be actuated in response to a connection of a first syringeto the connector, wherein the one or more processors are furtherprogrammed and/or configured to control the RFID reader circuit todetermine the first value and the second value in response to anactuation of the switch.

Clause 9. The reader of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the first RFID tagincludes a first label applied to the first syringe.

Clause 10. The reader of any of clauses 1-9, further comprising: atleast one third antenna, wherein the at least one third antenna islocated the same distance from the connector as the first antenna andthe second antenna, wherein the at least one third antenna is configuredto receive at least one third signal from the first RFID tag, andwherein the one or more processors are further programmed and/orconfigured to: control the RFID reader circuit to determine at least onethird value of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tagbased on the at least one third signal; receive, from the RFID readercircuit, the at least one third value of the signal parameter associatedwith the first RFID tag; and determine, based on the first value, thesecond value, and the at least one third value, whether the first RFIDtag is located between the first antenna, the second antenna, and the atleast one third antenna.

Clause 11. The reader of any of clauses 1-10, further comprising: anindicator configured to provide an indication associated withinformation included in at least one of the first signal received fromthe first RFID tag and the second signal received from the first RFIDtag.

Clause 12. The reader of any of clauses 1-11, further comprising: afirst shielding material surrounding a portion of the first antenna; anda second shielding material surrounding a portion of the second antenna.

Clause 13. A method comprising: receiving, with a first antenna, a firstsignal from a first RFID tag; receiving, with a second antenna spacedapart from the first antenna, a second signal from the first RFID tag;determining, with an RFID reader circuit, a first value of a signalparameter associated with the first RFID tag based on the first signal;determining, with the RFID reader circuit, a second value of the signalparameter associated with the first RFID tag based on the second signal;receiving, with at least one processor, the first value of the signalparameter associated with the first RFID tag and the second value of thesignal parameter associated with the first RFID tag; and determining,with at least one processor, whether the first RFID tag is locatedbetween the first antenna and the second antenna.

Clause 14. The method of clause 13, wherein the signal parameterassociated with the first RFID tag includes a received signal strengthindication (RSSI).

Clause 15. The method of any of clauses 13 and 14, wherein the firstsignal and the second signal include ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFIDsignals.

Clause 16. The method of any of clauses 13-15, further comprising:determining, with at least one processor, a difference between the firstvalue and the second value; and determining, with at least oneprocessor, that the RFID tag is located between the first antenna andthe second antenna in response to the difference satisfying a thresholddifference.

Clause 17. The method of any of clauses 13-16, further comprising:controlling, with a switching circuit, the RFID reader circuit toselectively read the first signal from the first RFID tag with the firstantenna and the second signal from the first RFID tag with the secondantenna.

Clause 18. The method of any of clauses 13-17, further comprising:connecting a first syringe to a connector located between the firstantenna and the second antenna, wherein the first antenna and the secondantenna are located a same distance from the connector, whereinconnecting the first syringe to the connector actuates a switch; andcontrolling, with at least one processor, the RFID reader circuit todetermine the first value and the second value in response to theactuation of the switch.

Clause 19. The method of any of clauses 13-18, wherein the first RFIDtag includes a first label applied to the first syringe.

Clause 20. The method of any of clause 13-19, further comprising:receiving, with at least one third antenna, at least one third signalfrom the first RFID tag, wherein the at least one third antenna islocated a same distance from the connector as the first antenna and thesecond antenna; determining, with the RFID reader circuit, at least onethird value of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tagbased on the at least one third signal; receiving, with at least oneprocessor, the at least one third value of the signal parameterassociated with the first RFID tag; and determining, with at least oneprocessor, based on the first value, the second value, and the at leastone third value, whether the first RFID tag is located between the firstantenna, the second antenna, and the at least one third antenna.

Clause 21. The method of any of clauses 13-20, further comprising:providing, with an indicator, an indication associated with informationincluded in at least one of the first signal received from the firstRFID tag and the second signal received from the first RFID tag.

Clause 22. A system comprising: a first syringe; a first label includinga first RFID tag applied to the first syringe; and a reader including: afirst antenna; a second antenna spaced apart from the first antenna; anRFID reader circuit, wherein the first antenna is connected to the RFIDreader circuit, wherein the first antenna is configured to receive afirst signal from the first RFID tag, wherein the second antenna isconnected to the RFID reader circuit, and wherein the second antenna isconfigured to receive a second signal from the first RFID tag; and oneor more processors programmed and/or configured to: control the RFIDreader circuit to determine a first value of a signal parameterassociated with the first RFID tag based on the first signal; controlthe RFID reader circuit to determine a second value of the signalparameter associated with the first RFID tag based on the second signal;receive, from the RFID reader circuit, the first value of the signalparameter associated with the first RFID tag and the second value of thesignal parameter associated with the first RFID tag; and determine,based on the first value and the second value, whether the first RFIDtag is located between the first antenna and the second antenna.

Clause 23. The system of clause 22, further comprising: a flow sensorsystem including a disposable flow sensor and a reusable base, whereinthe reusable base includes the reader.

These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structures and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of limits. As used in the specificationand the claims, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional advantages and details are explained in greater detail belowwith reference to the exemplary embodiments or aspects that areillustrated in the accompanying schematic figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of anenvironment in which systems, devices, products, apparatus, and/ormethods, described herein, can be implemented;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams of non-limiting embodiments or aspects ofan implementation of one or more systems and/or one or more devices ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 2C is a diagram of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of animplementation of one or more systems and/or one or more devices of FIG.1 ;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of componentsof one or more devices and/or one or more systems of FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of aprocess for reading syringe information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume variousalternative variations and step sequences, except where expresslyspecified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specificdevices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, anddescribed in the following specification, are simply exemplary andnon-limiting embodiments or aspects. Hence, specific dimensions andother physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspectsdisclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

No aspect, component, element, structure, act, step, function,instruction, and/or the like used herein should be construed as criticalor essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein,the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, andmay be used interchangeably with “one or more” and “at least one.”Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include oneor more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination ofrelated and unrelated items, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with“one or more” or “at least one.” Where only one item is intended, theterm “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms“has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-endedterms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based atleast partially on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “communication” and “communicate” refer to thereceipt or transfer of one or more signals, messages, commands, or othertype of data. For one unit (e.g., any device, system, or componentthereof) to be in communication with another unit means that the oneunit is able to directly or indirectly receive data from and/or transmitdata to the other unit. This may refer to a direct or indirectconnection that is wired and/or wireless in nature. Additionally, twounits may be in communication with each other even though the datatransmitted may be modified, processed, relayed, and/or routed betweenthe first and second unit. For example, a first unit may be incommunication with a second unit even though the first unit passivelyreceives data and does not actively transmit data to the second unit. Asanother example, a first unit may be in communication with a second unitif an intermediary unit processes data from one unit and transmitsprocessed data to the second unit. It will be appreciated that numerousother arrangements are possible.

It will be apparent that systems and/or methods, described herein, canbe implemented in different forms of hardware, software, or acombination of hardware and software. The actual specialized controlhardware or software code used to implement these systems and/or methodsis not limiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation and behaviorof the systems and/or methods are described herein without reference tospecific software code, it being understood that software and hardwarecan be designed to implement the systems and/or methods based on thedescription herein.

Some non-limiting embodiments or aspects are described herein inconnection with thresholds. As used herein, satisfying a threshold mayrefer to a value being greater than the threshold, more than thethreshold, higher than the threshold, greater than or equal to thethreshold, less than the threshold, fewer than the threshold, lower thanthe threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to thethreshold, etc.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end,” “upper,”“lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,”“lateral,” “longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate tonon-limiting embodiments or aspects as they are oriented in the drawingfigures. However, it is to be understood that non-limiting embodimentsor aspects may assume various alternative variations and step sequences,except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments or aspects. Hence, specific dimensions andother physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects ofthe embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered aslimiting unless otherwise indicated.

As used herein, the term “computing device” or “computer device” mayrefer to one or more electronic devices that are configured to directlyor indirectly communicate with or over one or more networks. Thecomputing device may be a mobile device, a desktop computer, or thelike. Furthermore, the term “computer” may refer to any computing devicethat includes the necessary components to receive, process, and outputdata, and normally includes a display, a processor, a memory, an inputdevice, and a network interface. An “application” or “applicationprogram interface” (API) refers to computer code or other data sorted ona computer-readable medium that may be executed by a processor tofacilitate the interaction between software components, such as aclient-side front-end and/or server-side back-end for receiving datafrom the client. An “interface” refers to a generated display, such asone or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with which a user mayinteract, either directly or indirectly (e.g., through a keyboard,mouse, touchscreen, etc.).

As used herein, the term “server” may refer to or include one or moreprocessors or computers, storage devices, or similar computerarrangements that are operated by or facilitate communication andprocessing for multiple parties in a network environment, such as theInternet, although it will be appreciated that communication may befacilitated over one or more public or private network environments andthat various other arrangements are possible. Further, multiplecomputers, e.g., servers, or other computerized devices, such as POSdevices, directly or indirectly communicating in the network environmentmay constitute a “system,” such as a merchant's POS system.

Provided are improved systems, devices, products, apparatus, and/ormethods for reading syringe information.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields toautomatically identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFIDsystem typically includes an RFID reader and a plurality of RFID tags.The RFID reader communicates wirelessly with the RFID tags. The RFIDtags may be passive tags, which have no power source and are powered byenergy received wirelessly from the RFID reader, or active tags, whichare powered by a local or internal power source (e.g., a battery, etc.).The RFID tags include an antenna and a device to electronically storeinformation and/or data to be read from the RFID tags by the RFID reader(e.g., a memory chip, etc.).

RFID typically operates in three main frequency ranges: Low Frequency(LF) (e.g., about 120-150 KHz), High Frequency (HF) (e.g., about 13.56MHz), and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) (e.g., about 865-868 MHz in Europeand 902-928 MHz in the U.S.). The LF and HF frequency ranges usemagnetically coupled systems where the fields of the RFID reader antennaand the fields of the RFID tag must line up for the RFID reader to readthe RFID tag. The LF and HF frequency ranges work well if theorientation of the RFID tags with respect to the reader can becontrolled. In contrast, in the UHF frequency range, the RFID tags maystill be read if the field orientation of the RFID tags is not directlylined up with the RFID reader antenna. Accordingly, UHF RFID tags mayperform better in situations in which the orientation of the RFID tagswith respect to the RFID reader cannot be easily controlled and/orknown.

An area in which UHF RFID tags can be read by an RFID reader may becontrolled by changing a transmit power and/or receive signal gain ofthe system to make the area smaller or larger. However, UHF RFID has nomechanism for selecting a specific or single tag in a particularlocation. For example, a UHF RFID reader for reading syringe informationfrom RFID tags on syringes may not be able to identify or differentiatea syringe intended to be scanned and/or being connected to an injectionsystem from other syringes in a surrounding area.

Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure aredirected to a system, a reader, and a method therefor including a firstantenna, a second antenna spaced apart from the first antenna, an RFIDreader circuit, and a processor. The first antenna and the secondantenna are connected to the RFID reader circuit. The first antenna isconfigured to receive a first signal from an RFID tag. The secondantenna is configured to receive a second signal from the RFID tag. Theprocessor controls the RFID reader circuit to determine a first value ofa signal parameter associated with the RFID tag based on the firstsignal and a second value of the signal parameter associated with theRFID tag based on the second signal, receives, from the RFID readercircuit, the first value and the second value, and determines, based onthe first value and the second value, whether the RFID tag is locatedbetween the first antenna and the second antenna. In this way, a syringeincluding the RFID tag that is intended to be scanned and/or beingconnected to an injection system can be identified or differentiatedfrom other syringes in a surrounding area that are not intended to bescanned and/or are not being connected to an injection system.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example environment100 in which systems, devices, products, apparatus, and/or methodsdescribed herein, may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 1 , environment100 includes reader device 102, first syringe 104, first RFID tag 106,at least one second syringe 108, at least one second RFID tag 110,communication network 112, and/or remote computing system 114. Systemsand/or devices of environment 100 can interconnect via wiredconnections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired andwireless connections.

Reader device 102 includes one or more devices capable of receivinginformation and/or data from first RFID tag 106, at least one secondRFID tag 110, and/or remote computing system 114 (e.g., viacommunication network 112, etc.) and/or communicating information and/ordata to first RFID tag 106, at least one second RFID tag 110, and/orremote computing system 114 (e.g., via communication network 112, etc.).For example, reader device 102 may include one or more computing systemsincluding one or more processors (e.g., one or more computing devices,one or more mobile computing devices, etc.). In some non-limitingembodiments or aspects, reader device 102 is capable of receivinginformation (e.g., from first RFID tag 106, from at least one secondRFID tag 110, etc.) via a RFID communication connection (e.g., via a UHFRFID communication connection, etc.), and/or communicating information(e.g., to first RFID tag 106, to at least one second RFID tag 110, etc.)via a RFID communication connection. In some non-limiting embodiments oraspects, reader device 102 includes a reusable base of a BD Intelliport™flow sensor and base system included as part of the BD Intelliport™Medication Management System. Further details regarding non-limitingembodiments or aspects of reader device 102 are provided below withregard to FIGS. 2A-2C.

First RFID tag 106 may be attached to (e.g., removably attached to,integrally formed with, etc.) first syringe 104. For example, first RFIDtag 106 may include a first label applied to first syringe 104. As anexample, first RFID tag 106 may be attached to a body of first syringe104.

The at least one second RFID tag 110 may be attached to (e.g., removablyattached to, integrally formed with, etc.) the at least one secondsyringe 108. For example, the at least one second RFID tag 110 mayinclude a second label applied to the at least one second syringe 108.For example, the at least one second RFID tag 110 may be attached to abody of the at least one second syringe 108.

Communication network 112 may include one or more wired and/or wirelessnetworks. For example, communication network 112 may include a cellularnetwork (e.g., a long-term evolution (LTE) network, a third generation(3G) network, a fourth generation (4G) network, a fifth generation (5G)network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, etc.), a publicland mobile network (PLMN), a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a telephone network(e.g., the public switched telephone network (PSTN)), a private network,an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, a fiber optic-basednetwork, a cloud computing network, and/or the like, and/or anycombination of these or other types of networks.

Remote computing system 114 may include one or more devices capable ofreceiving information and/or data from reader device 102 (e.g., viacommunication network 112, etc.) and/or communicating information and/ordata to reader device 102 (e.g., via communication network 112, etc.).For example, remote computing system 114 may include one or morecomputing systems including one or more processors (e.g., one or morecomputing devices, one or more mobile computing devices, one or moreservers, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, remotecomputing system 114 includes a nurse station in a hospital. In somenon-limiting embodiments or aspects, remote computing system 114includes a secure hospital server and/or one or more secure hospitaldatabases that store personally identifiable information (PII) and/orHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protectedinformation.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams ofnon-limiting embodiments or aspects of an implementation 200 of one ormore systems and/or one or more devices of FIG. 1 . As shown in FIGS. 2Aand 2B, reader device 102 may include first antenna 202, second antenna204 spaced apart from first antenna 202, connector 206, switch 207, RFIDreader circuit 208, processor 210 (e.g., a microcontroller, etc.),indicator 212 (e.g., a display, one or more LED lights, a speaker,etc.), first antenna shielding material 214, and/or second antennashielding material 216. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects,reader device 102 may include a housing 220 that houses first antenna202, second antenna 204, connector 206, switch 207, RFID reader circuit208, processor 210, indicator 212, first antenna shielding material 214,and/or second antenna shielding material 216.

First antenna 202 and second antenna 204 may be connected to RFID readercircuit 208. First antenna 202 may be configured to receive a firstsignal from an RFID tag (e.g., first RFID tag 106, at least one secondRFID tag 110, etc.). Second antenna 204 may be configured to receive asecond signal (e.g., a second signal different than the first signalreceived by first antenna 202, etc.) from an RFID tag (e.g., first RFIDtag 106, at least one second RFID tag 110, the same RFID tag from whichfirst antenna 202 received the first signal, etc.).

Connector 206 may be configured to connect to a syringe (e.g., firstsyringe 104, at least one second syringe 108, etc.). Connector 206 maybe located between first antenna 202 and second antenna 204. Firstantenna 202 and the second antenna 204 may be located a same distancefrom connector 206 (e.g., a same distance from a longitudinal axis ofconnector 206, etc.). For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, adistance D1 between first antenna 202 and a center or longitudinal axisof connector 206 may be equal to a distance D2 between second antenna205 and a center or longitudinal axis of connector 206.

RFID reader circuit 208 may be configured to determine a value of asignal parameter (e.g., a received signal strength indication (RSSI),etc.) associated with an RFID tag based on a signal (e.g., a UHF RFIDsignal, etc.) received from that RFID tag. For example, RFID readercircuit 208 (e.g., under control of processor 210, etc.) may determine afirst value of a signal parameter associated with the RFID tag based onthe first signal received by first antenna 202 and determine a secondvalue of the signal parameter associated with the RFID tag based on thesecond signal received by second antenna 204. As an example, RFID readercircuit 208 (e.g., under control of processor 210, etc.) may determinean RSSI value of the first signal received by first antenna 202 anddetermine an RSSI value of the second signal received by second antenna204.

Switch 207 may be configured to be actuated in response to a connectionof a syringe (e.g., first syringe 104, etc.) to connector 206. Forexample, processor 210 may be in electrical communication with switch207, and processor 210 may be programmed and/or configured to controlRFID reader circuit 208 to determine the first value and the secondvalue in response to an actuation of switch 207.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, RFID reader circuit 208includes a switching circuit (e.g., an RFID switch, a multiplexer,etc.). For example, RFID reader circuit 208 may include a ST25RU3993module. As an example, first antenna 202 and second antenna 204 may beconnected to the switching circuit, and the switching circuit may beconfigured to selectively couple first antenna 202 and second antenna204 to RFID reader circuit 208. In such an example, processor 210 maycontrol, using the switching circuit, RFID reader circuit 208 toselectively read a first signal from an RFID tag with first antenna 202and a second signal from that same RFID tag with second antenna 204. Thefirst signal from the RFID tag received with first antenna 202 and thesecond signal from that same RFID tag received with second antenna 204may each include a unique identifier associated with the RFID tag, andRFID reader circuit 208 (and/or processor 210) may distinguish first andsecond signals from the same RFID tag (e.g., from first RFID tag 106,etc.) from first and/or second signals received with first antenna 202and/or second antenna 204 from one or more other RFID tags (e.g., the atleast one second RFID tag 110 on the at least one second syringe 108,etc.) based on the unique identifiers included in the received signals.However, non-limiting embodiments or aspects are not limited thereto,and RFID reader circuit 208 may include separate RFID reader modules(e.g., separate ST25RU3993 modules, etc.) for each of first antenna 202and second antenna 204 to respectively read the first signal from theRFID tag with first antenna 202 and the second signal from that sameRFID tag with second antenna 204.

Processor 210 may be connected to (e.g., in electrical communicationwith, etc.) RFID reader circuit 208. Processor 210 may receive, fromRFID reader circuit 208, a first value of a signal parameter associatedwith an RFID tag and a second value of the signal parameter associatedwith that same RFID tag, and determine, based on the first value and thesecond value, whether the RFID tag is located between the first antennaand the second antenna (e.g., whether a syringe including the RFID tagis connected to connector 206, etc.). For example, processor 210 maydetermine whether the first value and the second value (e.g., the RSSIvalue of the first signal received by first antenna 202 and the RSSIvalue of the second signal received by second antenna 204, etc.) aresubstantially equal to each other (e.g., within a tolerance threshold,etc.). As an example, processor 210 may determine a difference betweenthe first value and the second value and, in response to the determineddifference satisfying a threshold difference, determine that the RFIDtag associated with the same unique identifier included in thosecorresponding first and second signals is located between the firstantenna and the second antenna (e.g., that a syringe including the RFIDtag is connected to connector 206, etc.). In such an example, a syringeincluding the RFID tag that is connected to connector 206 may havesubstantially equal RSSI values for the first signal and the secondsignal. As an example, processor 210 may determine a difference betweenthe first value and the second value and, in response to the differencefailing to satisfy the threshold difference, determine that the RFID tagis not located between the first antenna and the second antenna (e.g.,that the RFID tag is located outside the first antenna and the secondantenna, that a syringe including the RFID tag is not connected toconnector 206, etc.). In such an example, a syringe including the RFIDtag that is not connected to connector 206 may have substantiallydifferent RSSI values (e.g., outside a tolerance threshold, etc.) forthe first signal and the second signal.

Indicator 212 may be configured to provide an indication associated withinformation included in and/or associated with a signal received from anRFID tag (e.g., information included in a first signal received from anRFID tag with first antenna 202, information included in a second signalreceived that same RFID tag with second antenna 204, etc.). In somenon-limiting embodiments or aspects, an indication may include at leastone of the following: a unique identifier associated with the RFID tag,an indication that a syringe associated with the RFID tag is connectedto connector 206, an indication that the syringe associated with theRFID tag is not connected to connector 206, information associated witha medication contained in the syringe associated with the RFID tag, orany combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects,reader device 102 may communicate the indication and/or the informationassociated therewith to remote computing system 114.

First shielding material 214 may surround a portion of first antenna202. For example, first shielding material 214 may be configured suchthat first antenna 202 forms a directive beamforming antenna (e.g., in a2-dimensional direction toward a top of FIG. 2A, etc.). Second shieldingmaterial 216 may surround a portion of second antenna 204. For example,second shielding material 216 may be configured such that second antenna204 forms a directive beamforming antenna (e.g., in a direction toward atop of FIG. 2A, etc.).

Referring now to FIG. 2C, FIG. 2C is a diagram of non-limitingembodiments or aspects of an implementation 250 of one or more systemsand/or one or more devices of FIG. 1 . A structure and function of firstantenna 202, second antenna 204 spaced apart from first antenna 202,connector 206, switch 207, RFID reader circuit 208, processor 210 (e.g.,a microcontroller, etc.), indicator 212 (e.g., a display, one or moreLED lights, a speaker, etc.), first antenna shielding material 214,and/or second antenna shielding material 216 may be the same as orsimilar to that described with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B and,therefore, a further description thereof is omitted in the interest ofbrevity.

As shown in FIG. 2C, reader device 102 may further include at least onethird antenna 218 and at least one third shielding material 219. The atleast one third antenna 218 may be located the same distance fromconnector 206 as first antenna 202 and second antenna 204. For example,as shown in FIG. 2C, a distance D1 between first antenna 202 and acenter or longitudinal axis of connector 206, a distance D2 betweensecond antenna 205 and the center or longitudinal axis of connector 206,and a distance D3 (and/or D4) between at least one third antenna 218 thecenter or longitudinal axis of connector 206 may be a same distance.

The at least one third antenna 218 may be configured to receive at leastone third signal (e.g., at least one third signal different than thefirst signal received by first antenna 202 and the second signalreceived by second antenna 204, etc.) from an RFID tag (e.g., first RFIDtag 106, at least one second RFID tag 110, the same RFID tag from whichfirst antenna 202 received the first signal and from which secondantenna 204 received the second signal, etc.). For example, RFID readercircuit 208 (e.g., under control of processor 210, etc.) may determineat least one third value of the signal parameter associated with theRFID tag based on the at least one third signal received by the at leastone third antenna 218. As an example, RFID reader circuit 208 (e.g.,under control of processor 210, etc.) may determine an RSSI value of thefirst signal received by first antenna 202, determine an RSSI value ofthe second signal received by second antenna 204, and determine an RSSIvalue of the at least one third signal received by the at least onethird antenna 218.

Processor 210 may receive, from the RFID reader circuit 208, the atleast one third value of the signal parameter associated with the RFIDtag and determine, based on the first value, the second value, and theat least one third value, whether the RFID tag is located between thefirst antenna, the second antenna, and the at least one third antenna(e.g., whether a syringe including the RFID tag is connected toconnector 206, etc.). For example, processor 210 may determine whetherthe first value, the second value, and the third value (e.g., the RSSIvalue of the first signal received by first antenna 202, the RSSI valueof the second signal received by second antenna 204, and the RSSI valueof the at least one third signal received by the at least one thirdantenna 218, etc.) are substantially equal to each other (e.g., within atolerance threshold, etc.). As an example, processor 210 may determineone or more differences between the first value, the second value, andthe third value and, in response to the determined difference(s)satisfying one or more threshold differences, determine that the RFIDtag associated with the same unique identifier included in thosecorresponding first, second, and third signals is located between thefirst antenna, the second antenna, and the at least one third antenna(e.g., that a syringe including the RFID tag is connected to connector206, etc.).

The number and arrangement of systems and devices shown in FIGS. 1 and2A-2C are provided as an example. There can be additional systems and/ordevices, fewer systems and/or devices, different systems and/or devices,or differently arranged systems and/or devices than those shown in FIGS.1 and 2A-2C. Furthermore, two or more systems or devices shown in FIGS.1 and 2A-C can be implemented within a single system or a single device,or a single system or a single device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C can beimplemented as multiple, distributed systems or devices. Additionally,or alternatively, a set of systems or a set of devices (e.g., one ormore systems, one or more devices, etc.) of environment 100,implementation 200, and/or implementation 250 can perform one or morefunctions described as being performed by another set of systems oranother set of devices of environment 100, implementation 200, and/orimplementation 250.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , FIG. 3 is a diagram of example components of adevice 300. Device 300 may correspond to one or more devices of readerdevice 102 and/or one or more devices of remote computing system 114. Insome non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more devices of readerdevice 102 and/or one or more devices of remote computing system 114 caninclude at least one device 300 and/or at least one component of device300. As shown in FIG. 3 , device 300 may include a bus 302, a processor304, memory 306, a storage component 308, an input component 310, anoutput component 312, and a communication interface 314.

Bus 302 may include a component that permits communication among thecomponents of device 300. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects,processor 304 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combinationof hardware and software. For example, processor 304 may include aprocessor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processingunit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), amicroprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and/or any processingcomponent (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller (MCU),etc.) that can be programmed to perform a function. Memory 306 mayinclude random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and/oranother type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory,magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.) that stores information and/orinstructions for use by processor 304.

Storage component 308 may store information and/or software related tothe operation and use of device 300. For example, storage component 308may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, amagneto-optic disk, a solid state disk, etc.), a compact disc (CD), adigital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetictape, and/or another type of computer-readable medium, along with acorresponding drive.

Input component 310 may include a component that permits device 300 toreceive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touch screendisplay, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, amicrophone, a camera, an electroencephalogram (EEG) monitor, patientmonitoring system etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, input component310 may include a sensor for sensing information (e.g., a globalpositioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, anactuator, etc.). Output component 312 may include a component thatprovides output information from device 300 (e.g., a display, a speaker,one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and/or the like).

Communication interface 314 may include a transceiver-like component(e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver and transmitter, etc.) thatenables device 300 to communicate with other devices, such as via awired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired andwireless connections. Communication interface 314 may permit device 300to receive information from another device and/or provide information toanother device. For example, communication interface 314 may include anEthernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, aninfrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serialbus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi® interface, a cellular network interface,and/or the like.

Device 300 may perform one or more processes described herein. Device300 may perform these processes based on processor 304 executingsoftware instructions stored by a computer-readable medium, such asmemory 306 and/or storage component 308. A computer-readable medium(e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) is defined herein as anon-transitory memory device. A non-transitory memory device includesmemory space located inside of a single physical storage device ormemory space spread across multiple physical storage devices.

Software instructions may be read into memory 306 and/or storagecomponent 308 from another computer-readable medium or from anotherdevice via communication interface 314. When executed, softwareinstructions stored in memory 306 and/or storage component 308 may causeprocessor 304 to perform one or more processes described herein.Additionally or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in placeof or in combination with software instructions to perform one or moreprocesses described herein. Thus, embodiments or aspects describedherein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitryand software.

Memory 306 and/or storage component 308 may include data storage or oneor more data structures (e.g., a database, etc.). Device 300 may becapable of receiving information from, storing information in,communicating information to, or searching information stored in thedata storage or one or more data structures in memory 306 and/or storagecomponent 308. For example, the information may input data, output data,medical data, or any combination thereof.

The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 3 are provided asan example. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, device 300 mayinclude additional components, fewer components, different components,or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. 3 .Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or morecomponents) of device 300 may perform one or more functions described asbeing performed by another set of components of device 300.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a non-limitingembodiment or aspect of a process 400 for reading syringe information.In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more of the steps ofprocess 400 are performed (e.g., completely, partially, etc.) by readerdevice 102 (e.g., one or more devices of a system of reader device 102,etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more of thesteps of process 400 are performed (e.g., completely, partially, etc.)by another device or a group of devices separate from or includingreader device 102, such as remote computing system 114 (e.g., one ormore devices of remote computing system 114, etc).

As shown in FIG. 4 , at step 402, process 400 includes receiving, withreader device 102 (e.g., with first antenna 202, etc.), a first signal(e.g., a UHF RFID signal, etc.) from first RFID tag 106.

As shown in FIG. 4 , at step 404, process 400 includes receiving, withreader device 102 (e.g., with second antenna 204 spaced apart from thefirst antenna 202, etc.), a second signal (e.g., a UHF RFID signal,etc.) from first RFID tag 106.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, reader device 102 receives(e.g., with at least one third antenna 218 located a same distance fromconnector 206 as first antenna 202 and second antenna 204, etc.) atleast one third signal from first RFID tag 106.

As shown in FIG. 4 , at step 406, process 400 includes determining, withreader device 102 (e.g., with RFID reader circuit 208, etc.), a firstvalue of a signal parameter associated with first RFID tag 106 (e.g., anRSSI value of the first signal, etc.) based on the first signal.

As shown in FIG. 4 , at step 408, process 400 includes determining, withreader device 102 (e.g., with RFID reader circuit 208, etc.), a secondvalue of the signal parameter associated with first RFID tag 106 (e.g.,an RSSI value of the second signal, etc.) based on the second signal.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, reader device 102determines (e.g., with RFID reader circuit 208, etc.) at least one thirdvalue of the signal parameter associated with first RFID tag 106 (e.g.,an RSSI value of the at least one third signal, etc.) based on the atleast one third signal

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, reader device 102selectively reads the first signal from first RFID tag 106 with firstantenna 202 and the second signal from first RFID tag 106 with secondantenna 204 (and/or the at least one third signal from first RFID tag106 with the at least one third antenna 218).

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, connecting first syringe104 (e.g., first syringe 104 including first RFID tag 106 applied as alabel to first syringe 104, etc.) to connector 206 located between firstantenna 202 and second antenna 204, wherein the first antenna and thesecond antenna are located a same distance from the connector, actuatesswitch 207 and, in response to actuation of switch 207, reader device102 determines the first value and the second value.

As shown in FIG. 4 , at step 410, process 400 includes receiving, withreader device 102 (e.g., with processor 210, etc.), the first value ofthe signal parameter associated with first RFID tag 106 and the secondvalue of the signal parameter associated with first RFID tag 106.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, reader device 102 receivesthe at least one third value of the signal parameter associated withfirst RFID tag 106.

As shown in FIG. 4 , at step 412, process 400 includes determining, withreader device 102 (e.g., with processor 210, etc.), whether first RFIDtag 106 is located between first antenna 202 and second antenna 204(e.g., whether first syringe 104 including first RFID tag 106 isconnected to connector 206, etc.).

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, reader devices determines,based on the first value, the second value, and the at least one thirdvalue, whether first RFID tag 106 is located between first antenna 202,second antenna 204, and the at least one third antenna 218 (e.g.,whether first syringe 104 including first RFID tag 106 is connected toconnector 206, etc.).

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, reader device 102determines a difference between the first value and the second valueand, in response to the difference satisfying a threshold value,determines that first RFID tag 106 is located between first antenna 202and the second antenna 204 (e.g., that first syringe 104 including firstRFID tag 106 is connected to connector 106, etc.).

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, reader device 102 providesan indication (e.g., via indicator 212, etc.) associated withinformation included in at least one of the first signal received fromfirst RFID tag 106 and the second signal received from first RFID tag106.

Although embodiments or aspects have been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration and description, it is to be understood thatsuch detail is solely for that purpose and that embodiments or aspectsare not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but, on thecontrary, are intended to cover modifications and equivalentarrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosurecontemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of anyembodiment or aspect can be combined with one or more features of anyother embodiment or aspect. In fact, many of these features can becombined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosedin the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below maydirectly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of possibleimplementations includes each dependent claim in combination with everyother claim in the claim set.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reader comprising: a first antenna; a secondantenna spaced apart from the first antenna; an RFID reader circuit,wherein the first antenna is connected to the RFID reader circuit,wherein the first antenna is configured to receive a first signal from afirst RFID tag on a first syringe, wherein the second antenna isconnected to the RFID reader circuit, and wherein the second antenna isconfigured to receive a second signal from the first RFID tag on thefirst syringe; a connector configured to be connected to the firstsyringe, wherein the connector is located between the first antenna andthe second antenna; and one or more processors programmed and/orconfigured to: control the RFID reader circuit to determine a firstvalue of a signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag based onthe first signal; control the RFID reader circuit to determine a secondvalue of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag basedon the second signal; receive, from the RFID reader circuit, the firstvalue of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag and thesecond value of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag;and determine, based on the first value and the second value, whetherthe first syringe including the first RFID tag is connected to theconnector.
 2. The reader of claim 1, wherein the signal parameterassociated with the first RFID tag includes a received signal strengthindication (RSSI).
 3. The reader of claim 1, wherein the first signaland the second signal include ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID signals.4. The reader of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are furtherprogrammed and/or configured to: determine a difference between thefirst value and the second value; and determine that the first syringeincluding the first RFID tag is connected to the connector in responseto the difference satisfying a threshold difference.
 5. The reader ofclaim 1, wherein the RFID reader circuit includes a switching circuit,wherein the first antenna is connected to the switching circuit, whereinthe second antenna is connected to the switching circuit, and whereinthe switching circuit is configured to selectively couple the firstantenna and the second antenna to the RFID reader circuit.
 6. The readerof claim 5, wherein the one or more processors are further programmedand/or configured to: control, using the switching circuit, the RFIDreader circuit to selectively read the first signal from the first RFIDtag with the first antenna and the second signal from the first RFID tagwith the second antenna.
 7. The reader of claim 1, wherein the firstantenna and the second antenna are located a same distance from theconnector.
 8. The reader of claim 7, further comprising: a switchconfigured to be actuated in response to a connection of the firstsyringe to the connector, wherein the one or more processors are furtherprogrammed and/or configured to control the RFID reader circuit todetermine the first value and the second value in response to anactuation of the switch.
 9. The reader of claim 7, further comprising:at least one third antenna, wherein the at least one third antenna islocated the same distance from the connector as the first antenna andthe second antenna, wherein the at least one third antenna is configuredto receive at least one third signal from the first RFID tag, andwherein the one or more processors are further programmed and/orconfigured to: control the RFID reader circuit to determine at least onethird value of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tagbased on the at least one third signal; receive, from the RFID readercircuit, the at least one third value of the signal parameter associatedwith the first RFID tag; and determine, based on the first value, thesecond value, and the at least one third value, whether the firstsyringe including the first RFID tag is connected to the connector. 10.The reader of claim 1, wherein the first RFID tag includes a first labelapplied to the first syringe.
 11. The reader of claim 1, furthercomprising: an indicator configured to provide an indication associatedwith information included in at least one of the first signal receivedfrom the first RFID tag and the second signal received from the firstRFID tag.
 12. The reader of claim 1, further comprising: a firstshielding material surrounding a portion of the first antenna; and asecond shielding material surrounding a portion of the second antenna.13. A method comprising: receiving, with a first antenna, a first signalfrom a first RFID tag on a first syringe; receiving, with a secondantenna spaced apart from the first antenna, a second signal from thefirst RFID tag on the first syringe, wherein a connector configured tobe connected to the first syringe is located between the first antennaand the second antenna; determining, with an RFID reader circuit, afirst value of a signal parameter associated with the first RFID tagbased on the first signal; determining, with the RFID reader circuit, asecond value of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tagbased on the second signal; receiving, with at least one processor, thefirst value of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tagand the second value of the signal parameter associated with the firstRFID tag; and determining, with at least one processor, based on thefirst value and the second value, whether the first syringe includingthe first RFID tag is connected to the connector.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the signal parameter associated with the first RFIDtag includes a received signal strength indication (RSSI).
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the first signal and the second signalinclude ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID signals.
 16. The method of claim13, further comprising: determining, with at least one processor, adifference between the first value and the second value; anddetermining, with at least one processor, that the first syringeincluding the first RFID tag is connected to the connector in responseto the difference satisfying a threshold difference.
 17. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising: controlling, with a switching circuit, theRFID reader circuit to selectively read the first signal from the firstRFID tag with the first antenna and the second signal from the firstRFID tag with the second antenna.
 18. The method of claim 13, whereinthe first antenna and the second antenna are located a same distancefrom the connector, wherein connecting the first syringe to theconnector actuates a switch and wherein the method further comprises:controlling, with at least one processor, the RFID reader circuit todetermine the first value and the second value in response to anactuation of the switch.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the firstRFID tag includes a first label applied to the first syringe.
 20. Themethod of claim 18, further comprising: receiving, with at least onethird antenna, at least one third signal from the first RFID tag,wherein the at least one third antenna is located a same distance fromthe connector as the first antenna and the second antenna; determining,with the RFID reader circuit, at least one third value of the signalparameter associated with the first RFID tag based on the at least onethird signal; receiving, with at least one processor, the at least onethird value of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag;and determining, with at least one processor, based on the first value,the second value, and the at least one third value, whether the firstsyringe including the first RFID tag is connected to the connector. 21.The method of claim 13, further comprising: providing, with anindicator, an indication associated with information included in atleast one of the first signal received from the first RFID tag and thesecond signal received from the first RFID tag.
 22. A system comprising:a first syringe; a first label including a first RFID tag applied to thefirst syringe; and a reader including: a first antenna; a second antennaspaced apart from the first antenna; an RFID reader circuit, wherein thefirst antenna is connected to the RFID reader circuit, wherein the firstantenna is configured to receive a first signal from the first RFID tag,wherein the second antenna is connected to the RFID reader circuit, andwherein the second antenna is configured to receive a second signal fromthe first RFID tag; a connector configured to be connected to the firstsyringe, wherein the connector is located between the first antenna andthe second antenna; and one or more processors programmed and/orconfigured to: control the RFID reader circuit to determine a firstvalue of a signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag based onthe first signal; control the RFID reader circuit to determine a secondvalue of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag basedon the second signal; receive, from the RFID reader circuit, the firstvalue of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag and thesecond value of the signal parameter associated with the first RFID tag;and determine, based on the first value and the second value, whetherthe first syringe including the first RFID tag is connected to theconnector.
 23. The system of claim 22, further comprising: a flow sensorsystem including a disposable flow sensor and a reusable base, whereinthe reusable base includes the reader.
 24. The system of claim 22,wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are located a samedistance from the connector.